Exorcism and Upholding Righteousness

Central Continent, Tianyan Sect.

Jing Qing sat quietly in the outer courtyard, his expression calm, though his gaze frequently drifted toward the main gate. He had traveled nonstop from the Western Oxen Continent to get here.

The situation in the Western Oxen Continent was clearly unusual. Though Jing Qing had full confidence in his senior brother Xu Jin’s strength, even the most capable could find themselves overwhelmed when investigating something perilous alone.

Jing Qing didn’t fully understand why his senior brother had suddenly softened his stance, but carrying out Xu Jin’s orders was his foremost duty. Even if he didn’t comprehend the reasoning, he would act without hesitation.

However, the Tianyan Sect wouldn’t grant him immediate entry just because he was from the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect. Protocol demanded an announcement first. Though he would undoubtedly be admitted, the delay was inevitable.

Fortunately, Jing Qing didn’t have to wait long. Soon, a Tianyan Sect disciple arrived to escort him toward the sect’s core territory.

Passing through the True—Mountain Protecting Formation, the disciple led him with practiced ease to what was once the Seclusion Peak, now renamed the "One Big Happy Family Peak."

Since prior notice had been given, the formation at the mountain’s base had already opened a passage for entry. The disciple stopped at the foot of the peak, clasped his hands, and said,

"Senior Uncle Chu’s hall lies just ahead. He has already been informed of your arrival—you may proceed on your own."

Jing Qing gave a slight nod. Without bothering with formalities, he channeled his spiritual energy, transforming into a streak of light that shot straight toward the mountaintop, arriving swiftly before the grand structure.

Etiquette and decorum paled in comparison to his senior brother’s safety. If necessary, he could always apologize to Chu Xingchen later.

But even in his haste, Jing Qing couldn’t help but glance at the unusually verbose plaque hanging above the entrance.

His steps faltered slightly as he read the words inscribed on it: "One Big Happy Family."

At that moment, Jing Qing realized Chu Xingchen was no ordinary individual.

When Xu Jin had praised Chu Xingchen in the past, Jing Qing hadn’t paid it much mind. But seeing this, he wondered if his senior brother hadn’t been exaggerating—perhaps he had been entirely serious.

No ordinary cultivator would hang something like this at the entrance of their peak.

Jing Qing couldn’t think of an appropriate word to describe the act.

The inscription was simply… too bold.

Not daring to fly in recklessly, Jing Qing entered on foot.

Passing through the gate, he found no attendants waiting to receive him. He walked straight ahead until he reached a courtyard.

His gaze settled on a handsome young man seated leisurely in a chair, sipping tea. At first glance, the man didn’t seem like a troublesome figure. On the contrary, the gentle smile on Chu Xingchen’s lips gave the immediate impression that he was someone easy to get along with.

"You must be Brother Xu’s junior?" Chu Xingchen gestured for Jing Qing to take a seat.

Jing Qing clasped his hands in greeting. "I am Jing Qing, junior brother to Xu Jin."

Chu Xingchen poured a cup of tea and slid it toward him.

"Your senior brother and I have worked together before. He has a habit of pushing himself too hard. If he’s asking for my help, it must be something serious. Tell me what’s going on."

Jing Qing’s expression turned grave. He relayed the events unfolding in the Western Oxen Continent and the discoveries made in Huangliang City, including the conversation between Xu Jin and Lizhi.

"Senior Brother mentioned that you know Lizhi."

Chu Xingchen’s brow furrowed slightly. "The Western Oxen Continent has deteriorated to that extent?"

Jing Qing nodded. "Yes. Senior Brother said that if you were unwilling to go, I should head straight to Bodhisattva’s Wrath to find him."

"It’s rare for your senior brother to ask a favor of me. Refusing would be too heartless." Chu Xingchen stood. "Besides, this matter concerns me as well."

"What do you plan to do?" Jing Qing also rose to his feet.

"Some basic preparations." Chu Xingchen smiled. "Care to join me?"

"Senior Brother instructed me to follow you, if it’s convenient," Jing Qing replied quickly.

"Then let’s go." The amusement faded from Chu Xingchen’s face, his tone turning serious.

Tianyan Sect, Tianyan Peak.

Chu Xingchen led Jing Qing into the main hall.

Today, Lv Xuan was finally present, seated at the head of the hall. Yanyun, the sect’s heir apparent, stood below—unlike before, when he had been nowhere to be found.

Lv Xuan sat upright, holding a communication jade slip. Sensing movement at the entrance, he looked up to see Chu Xingchen’s solemn expression and the unfamiliar Jing Qing trailing behind him. As the sect leader, he recognized all key disciples of the Tianyan Sect.

"I take it today’s visit is about something significant?" Lv Xuan tapped the jade slip in his hand.

Chu Xingchen clasped his hands slightly. "Are you aware of the situation in the Western Oxen Continent?"

Lv Xuan gave the jade slip a light shake. "Reading about it now."

Ching Xingchen’s gaze remained steady. "From tens of thousands of miles away, how clear can the picture truly be?"

Lv Xuan caught the implication. "What are you suggesting?"

"Naturally, we gather tens of thousands of people to go and see for ourselves what kind of demons are stirring up trouble." Chu Xingchen’s voice sharpened. "Sect Leader, what do you think?"

Lv Xuan fell silent for a moment before turning to Yanyun. His tone was authoritative.

"The reports do indicate matters we should intervene in. Yanyun, assist Senior Chu in making the arrangements."

"The Tianyan Sect will handle this. If anyone objects, let them come to us!"

Chu Xingchen spoke again. "I’d prefer if you personally oversaw the preparations, Sect Leader. I’d like to borrow Yanyun for a trip to the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect. Also, there’s a jade slip I’d like you to seal."

Lv Xuan immediately understood. With a chuckle, he nodded.

"You’ve got quite the nerve, ordering me around. Very well, leave it to me."

Yanyun asked no questions, simply rising and giving Chu Xingchen a slight nod.

Central Continent, Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect.

The three of them utilized the Tianyan Sect’s teleportation formation to cross directly to the vicinity of the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect.

With Jing Qing leading the way, they transformed into streaks of light, heading straight for the main hall to meet the sect’s current leader—Li Moze.

As they stepped inside, Chu Xingchen’s gaze locked onto Li Moze, who stood at the elevated platform. Without preamble, he asked:

"Do you still acknowledge the Mandate of Heaven, Sect Leader Li?"

Li Moze’s eyes swept past Jing Qing, lingered briefly on Yanyun, then settled on Chu Xingchen. Without hesitation, he replied:

"Since when have I not?"

"Then are you aware of the events in the Western Oxen Continent?"

"I am."

"No matter how convoluted the circumstances, the truth is plain to see. The Tianyan Sect has agreed to my request and will march to the Western Oxen Continent. Today, I ask you—will the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect join us?"

Li Moze smiled. "Since when has our sect ever shied away from a challenge?"

Chu Xingchen retrieved a jade slip already bearing the Tianyan Sect leader’s seal.

"Then I ask you, Sect Leader, to affix your seal to this as well."

Taidao Sect, Supreme Purity Hall.

Daoist Yuyang strode briskly into the hall, his gaze settling on his master, who had urgently summoned him.

The Taidao Sect leader held a communication jade slip, delivered posthaste by the Tianyan Sect. Without a word, he passed it to Daoist Yuyang.

Daoist Yuyang extended his divine sense into the jade slip and immediately grasped the situation, noting the official seals of both the Tianyan Sect and the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect stamped upon it.

Frowning slightly, he turned his gaze to his master. "Master, what are your thoughts on this?"

"Chu Xingchen need not send you to persuade me—this matter is righteous and aboveboard," declared the Taidao Sect’s leader, his eyes sharpening. "Moreover, the cause itself is just. An entire region lies in ruin, its people suffering."

"No one ever truly conceded that the Western Oxhorn Continent belongs solely to the Buddhists."

"If those bald monks cannot handle the task, then we shall step in."

"An alliance of the three sects—now that’s a first in history. How intriguing!"

Daoist Yuyang withdrew the jade slip and bowed. "This disciple obeys your command."

On the third day of the seventh month, the three great sects—the Mysterious Purity Heavenly Sect, the Tianyan Sect, and the Taidao Sect—issued a joint decree across the five continents and four directions.

Together, they marched upon the Western Oxhorn Continent.

To eradicate demons and uphold the Dao.